Kenya Railways has completed construction and rehabilitation works on the Mombasa Commuter Rail project, marking a major step forward in the country’s efforts to modernize urban transport and decongest road traffic in the coastal city. The revamped rail service is expected to officially launch operations in the coming weeks.
The project, which has been under development for several months, involved upgrading key infrastructure including rail tracks, stations, and signaling systems.
The line will initially connect key suburbs such as Changamwe, Miritini, and Likoni to the central business district of Mombasa, with plans to expand service coverage in later phases.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, Kenya Railways Managing Director Philip Mainga confirmed that the infrastructure is ready for operation following successful test runs.
“The Mombasa Commuter Rail is now complete. We have finalized all technical works and safety checks, and we are now preparing for full operational rollout,” he said.
Mainga added that the project is part of a broader plan to improve commuter mobility in major urban centers, reduce road congestion, and support sustainable public transport.
The rail service will offer affordable fares and is expected to cut travel time significantly for thousands of commuters.
The Mombasa Commuter Rail is being supported by the government in partnership with development agencies and aims to mirror the success of the Nairobi Commuter Rail launched in 2020.
The system will use refurbished locomotives and modern passenger coaches capable of carrying over 1,000 passengers per trip.
Local residents and business leaders have welcomed the completion of the project, citing its potential to improve productivity and reduce transport costs.
“This is a timely solution for Mombasa,” said Abdi Salim, a transport analyst. “It provides a reliable alternative to road travel, especially during peak hours.”
Kenya Railways said it will announce the official schedule and fare structure before the end of August.
Written By Ian Maleve
